About this opportunity
Hecla Mining Co. lists this Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration opportunity in coeur d'alene, Idaho. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration
Professional Coeur d'Alene, ID, US
Job Title: Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration - Northern Cordillera
Department: Corporate Exploration, Dual reporting to Manager, Exploration - AK and Director, Generative Exploration
Reports To: Director of Generative Exploration
Position Summary
The Principal Geoscientist, Generative Exploration – Northern Cordillera leads in identifying, evaluating, and advancing new silver and gold exploration opportunities through systematic exploration and strategic industry networking. The role focuses on generating and advancing projects to key decision points on the path to discovery of Tier 1 silver and gold assets aligned with Hecla's corporate growth strategy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This list is not all-inclusive and may be revised as needed; additional duties may be assigned.
Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all exploration activities including a strong commitment to following all applicable company, state, and federal safety guidelines.
Ensure alignment of exploration goals with Hecla’s overall business objectives.
Opportunity Generation & Research
Identify new exploration opportunities, with a focus on Northern Cordillera, using cost-effective methodologies, including analysis of technical literature, application of geological principles, and innovative targeting approaches
Lead compilation of data for target regions and properties into quality-controlled, analysis-ready datasets
Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of mineral deposits and exploration properties within the Northern Cordillera; analyze datasets to identify prospective districts with Tier 1 deposit potential
Evaluate field data in conjunction with technical reports, geological maps, and engineering/economic studies to prepare detailed recommendations for the Manager of Exploration, Alaska and the Director of Generative Exploration
Property Evaluation & Acquisition
Design regional screening programs to identify properties for acquisition, using methods such as stream sediment sampling, regional geophysical targeting, remote sensing, and prospectivity analysis
Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for properties of interest
Conduct field investigations of exploration properties and assess acquisition of third-party holdings in collaboration with the Sr. Principal, New Exploration Opportunities.
Coordinate property acquisition through claim staking, government applications, or direct purchase/option agreements
Lead execution of field programs from planning through delivery — mapping, sampling, geophysics, and drilling — including crew supervision, contractor and drilling management, camp and aviation logistics, and seasonal scheduling
Own safety leadership in remote settings, where helicopter and float-plane support, wildlife, weather, and isolation drive the risk profile
Maintain data integrity across the project portfolio — sampling protocols, QA/QC, database discipline, and documentation to a standard that supports future resource work and public disclosure
Manage and monitor generative exploration budgets and timelines for assigned programs
Set and apply clear decision criteria for each project, and make the call to advance, divest, or drop on the evidence
Mentor and develop project geologists and seasonal staff, building regional exploration capability alongside the projects themselves
Design focused exploration programs that efficiently advance projects to clearly defined decision points
Stakeholder & Business Support
Develop and maintain positive, culturally respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and local stakeholders in areas of exploration interest
Support Corporate Development with project and company evaluations, including due diligence studies
Work in collaboration with Hecla’s sustainability, permitting, legal, and land teams to ensure our license to operate is maintained in the communities in which we work
Qualifications and Experience
15+ years of progressive experience in generative exploration, opportunity recognition, and project management with demonstrated success leading exploration project teams
Master’s degree or other advanced degree in Geology required
Active membership in a recognized Self-Regulating Organization, and Qualified Person certification under NI 43-101, SK-1300, or JORC (preferred)
Proven track record identifying underexplored Tier 1 silver/gold opportunities, securing land positions, and designing effective exploration programs
Broad experience across the geologic domains and deposit types of the Northern Cordillera, with demonstrated expertise in VMS systems required; experience with structurally controlled silver-polymetallic vein systems a plus
Proficiency in field mapping and systematic, hypothesis-driven geological interpretation, complemented by strong working knowledge of geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods — and the ability to integrate these datasets into coherent exploration models
Proficiency in ArcGIS, Leapfrog, ioGAS, and Microsoft Office
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and experience preparing executive-level reports and presentations
Self-directed, collaborative, and effective at building relationships with government agencies, Indigenous communities, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams
Creative problem-solver with strong geological intuition and cultural sensitivity; able to work autonomously and lead others
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended rotations at remote field camps during the northern field season
Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
Must successfully pass background screening, pre-employment physical, and drug screening
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
Work is performed in office and field settings.
Work may involve walking on uneven terrain, standing for long periods, exposure to weather, and lifting up to 50 pounds over extended periods.
Field work is in remote northern terrain, frequently accessed by helicopter or float plane, and may involve extended stays at fly-in camps with limited communications
Conditions include cold, wet, and rapidly changing weather, difficult footing on steep or vegetated ground, and work in areas with bears and other wildlife
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in all active exploration and mining areas.
Noise levels are generally quiet in the office; in the field and warehouse, appropriate hearing protection may be required.
Work environments may involve exposure to dust, and use of a respirator may be required.
Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform essential work functions.
Why Hecla
Hecla has been mining silver for more than a century and already operates in the Northern Cordillera, which makes this a rare combination: a genuinely generative mandate in a region the company knows and is committed to. Few roles let one geologist generate a target, secure the ground, and then drill it. You will have a funded program, the backing of both the Alaska exploration team and the corporate Generative group, and the standing to take a project all the way to a decision.
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Worksite address
coeur d'alene, ID, 83814, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.